2013 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,910 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 93 involved a crash and 97 involved a fire. 77 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMay 6, 2022
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles. The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time, due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
A cracked fuel hose may leak fuel, which can increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 227. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 20V-121. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V-121 that did not receive a replacement fuel hose will need to have this new recall remedy performed.
Campaign 22V312000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsFeb 28, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles. The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
If the fuel line cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the low-pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 10, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 189. This recall has been replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-314.
Campaign 20V121000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineDec 28, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
Campaign 18V934000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerFeb 27, 2018
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.
If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.
Campaign 18V137000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerOct 4, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
Campaign 17V617000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 162.
Campaign 17V226000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageMar 8, 2017
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
Campaign 17V152000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJul 18, 2014
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.
If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
Campaign 14V434000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowJul 24, 2012
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Hyundai Sonata passenger cars, manufactured from January 24, 2012, through June 21, 2012. The curtain side airbags on these vehicles may inflate without deployment command due to an error during manufacturing.
The curtain airbag may inflate without deployment command and increase the risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle. Additionally, an unexpected deployment would be a significant driver distraction and would limit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai dealers will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge. This recall began on August 31, 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 12V352000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
134 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 21, 2022
While driving the car flashed "Hybrid System Warning! Safely stop and do not drive" and immediately shut off propulsion. I was able to coast just enough to get off to the side of the road. Now the warning comes up as soon as the engine kicks on to charge the hybrid system and the car will not move. If I wasn't in the right hand lane on the highway this could've caused an accident. This happened once in December 2021 with about 86000 miles and went away after letting the car sit for about 30 minutes. It happened again today July 21, 2022 and left me stranded. The car is unusable as of now.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 18, 2022
I smelled gasoline in my car every time the car was idle and when I turned on the AC. I googled everything I could but could not figure out the problem. I had to drive the car from Miami to Orlando while this issue was going on (due to me attending school in Miami and living in Orlando). I dropped it to Tire Plus the same day I arrived in ORL & they called me on Sunday morning, stating that I should not be driving the car, it is a hazard because of the issue they identified. Shortly after (about 10 min after that phone call from Tire Plus) I found out that there has been a recall for this same issue tire Plus identified. I called tire plus and told them it is a recall and they said I must get the car to Hyundai to be fixed since it is identified as a recall. I went on Hyundais website and typed in the VIN number and I saw that my car qualifies for the recall. I got the car towed to Hyundai the next day. I called corporate, corporate notified me that after about 4 days of my car being in Hyundai’s care I’d be able to get a loaner (previously, I called numerous Hyundai’s but went with the one who had loaners available). It has been 7 days and Iam without a vehicle and I travel to school on the weekends. My case was escalated (last Wednesday I believe) and we were told by the case manager that he was going to reach out to Hyundai then give us a call… he gave us a call but did not reach out to Hyundai. He was also supposed to give us a call today (Monday) but it’s 3PM, I haven’t heard anything. So, I called him and left a message since he did not answer. Not to mention that Hyundai had no remedy for the recall on the car. It seems like they have no interest in compensating me in any way. They would rather drag out the situation and mention the need for me to fix other things on the car, other than the hazard at hand (the recall). It is quite frustrating and I’m not sure what to do at this point.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2022
The car start over but was unable to keep power upon hitting gas pedal. The seatbelt would unlatch. The back break lights wouldn’t shut off after turning off engine causing the car battery to lose power.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 6, 2022, fire
On May 7th 2022 my 2013 Hyundai Sonata engine caught fire just driving down the road. I had only bought it 2 months prior. Smoke started coming pouring out of the vents and I had to pull over and have the fire department put it out. Hyundai has looked at it and offered to pay off my loan but I gave $4000.00 cash down and now that is lost. They won't cover that. Will there be another class action lawsuit ?
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 3, 2022
I was notified of two recalls on my vehicle. I am the second owner of the vehicle but need to know if I am able to get these recalls fixed without paying out of pocket.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 1, 2022
I was driving on the way home doing 55 mph with my kids and the car started to slow down and light began to pop up on the dashboard. The car shut off. I tried to restart it it wouldn’t restart. I called a tow truck as I was waiting in 100 degree weather with two kids someone tried to give me a jumpstart how ever when they tried to jump start it we noticed smoke coming from the hood. I went to a part store and brought another battery. Thinking it’s the battery I put the new battery in. Car still would not start. And smoke arised again as I’m Still waiting for tow truck for 7 hours @10pm tow truck finally comes. Tow truck takes car to my residence. The next day I call Carvana and silverrock they tow the car to a dealer then call me and tell me the repairs would not be covered. Even though I haven’t had the car for a two full months. I spent my entire pay check. The Mechanic from Firestone tells me it’s a starter. I get the starter fixed 804$ and The next day the same thing happens again only this time my car began to smoke much more. I’ve never experienced anything like this. I’m also paying a car note on this car and I put down more than 4000$. Can somebody please get me out of this lemon. This should not be legal.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 24, 2022
The car cut off while I was driving. Had it towed to a repair shop, and they said the engine had seized up. Found out that the vehicle was affected by a recall involving the engine having debris left inside at the factory which causes restricted oil flow. I had the car towed to the dealer, and they claimed the engine failed due to "neglect." They didn't inspect for any recalls, and I was charged.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 17, 2022
FUEL IN ENGINE. ENGINE FAILURE. had car towed to hyundai of louisvile dealership due to recall on may 20,2022.as of today the dealer has not even began to do anything toward my car. i was told it may take up to 8 weeks before they could even look at my car. I was given a clain number from hyundai #19842116 and a case worker who has not helped at all. I was also denied a loaner from the dearlership
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 7, 2022
For about a month, while driving lights go off during the night, MOST recently the lights and car shut off DURING the ride home!! No flashers working! When we attempted to move the steering wheel locked and would not go into drive! Feels like something was stuck, further inspection NOTHING WAS STUCK! when I fuel up the car seizes in the middle of my drives!
Fuel/propulsion system, May 24, 2022
I am writing to report a safety concern and recall issue with Hyundai Motors . October 2021 - I took my car into Braman Hyundai 2060 NE 2nd Avenue Miami FL 33137 305-571-1225 for a few issues including the following recall : 189 HYUNDAI SONATA 2013: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. April 26th 2022- I notice a strong smell of gasoline inside my car. April 27th 2022 - I bring my car into Braman Hyundai 2060 NE 2nd Avenue Miami FL 33137 305-571-1225. I am notified by the dealership there if a fuel leak and it will cost me $700 out of pocket . I clarify with the customer care representative : “The issue that is present now in regards to a gas fuel leak , is the SAME issue as the recall?” The representative confirms this is correct , and advises me to contact corporate directly as they cannot perform a recall twice . There is a chance the recall can be covered if corporate overrides this with her manager . I proceed to call and report my issue to corporate . Corporate and the dealership refused to assume responsibility for the repairs and failed to provide paperwork for initial recall . I am deeply disappointed and do not feel safe or comfortable driving my car anymore after a gas leak was present that was failed to be addressed back in October 2021 under the existing recall . I hate to imagine my life being put at risk in accident or death because of a serious fire risk . My occupation requires me to drive for a living , and I take my safety and the safety of others on the road very seriously . This is a Hyundai Motors manufacturer issue , but because of some strange recall technicality and the initial work not being done properly , I am being held responsible for the repairs in addition to my life being put as risk . Due to this experience , I will not be returning to this dealership and refuse to make any further business or recommendation for Hyundai Motors as a trusted vehicle source.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 22, 2022
The fuel has a gas leak
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 17, 2022
Engine light flashing oil light flashing car cut off while I was driving on the road with my daughter In the car
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 29, 2021, fire
There was previously a smell of fuel in the driver's compartment approximately 2 days prior to the incident and subsequently, a service appointment was made with the service department at the local dealership. On the date of the incident, the vehicle was being driven when smoke appeared in the interior of the vehicle. Driver pulled out of traffic into an empty parking lot where the car then became increasingly engulfed in flames. Local Fire Department came and extinguished flames, but car appears to be a total loss.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 15, 2021
I have a 2013 Hyundai Sonata, with a build date of November 15, 2012. There is a NHTSA campaign, number 20V121000, that corresponds with Hyundai recall 189. The recall describes a fuel leak on the top of the engine, as well as "increasing the risk of engine compartment fire". My vehicle is currently experiencing the exact issue stated in the recall. According to the part 573 safety recall report 20V-121, the affected vehicles were produced at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama with the production dates of November 26, 2012 - January 16, 2014, meaning I missed the "cut off" by 11 days. With that being said, local Hyundai dealerships and Hyundai cooperate with not perform the recall nor will the allow me to purchase the affected part so I can make the repair myself. In the mean time I am stuck with a vehicle that is leaking fuel onto the top of my engine, and fumes filling the cabin of my vehicle.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 13, 2021
After purchasing my vehicle my engine seized and needed to be replaced in 01/2021. Recently my car started to smell like gasoline, I am told it is an issue with the fuel pump on the engine. There is gasoline going all over the engine making it a big fire hazard.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 8, 2021
Vehicle shut off while driving on the freeway while gas gauge showed 1/4 tank full. There was no warning light indicator or anything. Vehicle would not turn back on until additional gas was added to the gas tank. The vehicle shutting off unexpectedly is dangerous to not only myself and my passengers but other drivers around me as well. Gas gauge also does not reflect accurately when gas is being added to the tank. Called the dealer and explained that this is an issue in other 2013 Hyundai Sonata and they said it’s not vin number specific and refused to service it.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 7, 2021
Engine replaced by Hyundai for recall 4/2021. Gas is leaking from high presser pipe directly on top of the engine. Hyundai customer service says I did not meet requirements for Recall 180. Dealer who replaced engine says covered by warranty and could be faulty part and not installation issue. Teen drivers could have been killed driving the car when gas, leaking directly onto the engine, started smoking. They stopped vehicle before gas could spark. We have video of gas leak when car not running. Medlin Hyundai in Rocky Mount said gas was "spewing from the high pressure pipe onto the engine".
Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 8, 2021
My vehicle has seven recalls on Kelley blue book online everything it says on the Honda website is what’s happening with my car the check check engine light on smoking at the tail pipe exhaust smoke excessive leaking oil suspension seatbelt and no one is helping me at the local dealership Hyundai dealership they’ve been putting me off for months this is a very dangerous situation to have my children in the car I cannot work due to this situationI am a driver for Uber etc.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 22, 2021, fire
While driving down the street noticed several people blowing and yelling “your car is on fire “ I was able to steer the car to the right, brakes were gone, as I jumped out, the front of the car was fully Engulfed in flames. The front of the car was totally destroyed by fire.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 16, 2021
JUST CUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, May 11, 2021
I DO NOTICE SOMETIMES WHEN I PRESS ON THE GAS, THE CAR LOOSES ENERGY, DON'T ACCELERATE. IT'S LIKE THE CAR MPH GOES DOWN TO ZERO WHILE I'M DRIVING THE CAR WHICH IS SCARY. I STEP ON GAS, AND IT DON'T MOVE, THEN IT PICKS UP AND SPEED OFF.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 26, 2021
THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON 4/23/21 WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT ON A CITY STREET AND BECAME INOPERABLE. THE BATTERY WAS JUMPED OFF AND SOME WIRES STARTED SMOKING AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE, AND THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. ONCE THE NEW BATTERY WAS INSTALLED, THE ENGINE LIGHTS BLINKED CONTINUOUSLY, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE STARTER WAS REPLACED ON 4/25/21. THE VEHICLE STARTED AND WAS TAKEN FOR A TEST DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY AND RAN FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES BEFORE IT BEGAN PRODUCING A KNOCKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AGAIN ON THE HIGHWAY, AND WHEN IT WAS STARTED AGAIN, THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO THE DRIVEWAY OF THE RESIDENCE, THEN NEEDED TO BE PUSHED BACK INTO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AGAIN AND MADE A CLICKING SOUND. WIRES WERE ALSO SMOKING AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP ON 4/26/21 FOR DIAGNOSTICS.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2021, crash
I WAS DRIVING OUT OF MY HOME AND MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN AND STOPPED FOR NO APPARENT REASON.I JUMPED START THE CAR FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES AND WAS ABLE TO REACH A AUTO ZONE. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A DEAD BATTERY SO I BUY A NEW $160 BATTERY FOR THE CAR TO STILL NOT WORK AND TURN BACK ON. ITS LIKE IT WOULD START BUT IT WOULD NOT FULLY TURN ALL THE WAY ON. I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 5 DAYS AGO AND ITS ALREADY STOPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 21, 2021
I CAN'T PUT GAS IN THE TANK OR IT WILL LEAK OUT ALL OVER THE GROUND
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 9, 2021
I'M GETTING A CODE P1326 AND THE VEHICLE IS NOT TAKING THE GAS AND CAN'T DRIVE IT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE; DELIVERY HOSE LINES/ PIPING AND FITTING.